Gingerbread House Competition

Gingerbread House Competition Rules

Welcome to the 1st Annual Gingerbread Contest. The contest is open to all age ranges and abilities. You can create one independently or with a team. Entries will be on display for the entirety of the festival and must be picked up or they will be donated.

Entry form deadline is November 30th

Gingerbread Houses are due Monday, December 5th

Judging – Wednesday December 7th

Festival is Open – Friday December 9th – Sunday December 11th

Houses are picked up – Monday, December 12th

Deliver to Marley Station Mall: 7900 Ritchie Hwy Glen Burnie, MD 21061

Categories/ Entry Fee:

Minis (ages 6 and under) - $5

Kids (Ages 7 to 12) - $5

Teens (13 to 17) - $10

Adults/ Teams - $10

Professionals - $25

Prizes:

Each category will be judged by our panel of judges and there will be 1 winner for each category and 1 honorable mention. For a total of 10 prizes. There will be one overall winner chosen by the people. All houses will be displayed during the festival.

Mini’s – Gift Basket totaling $25

Kids – Gift Basket totaling $50

Teen – Gift Basket totaling $75

Adult/ Group – Gift Basket totaling $100

Professional – Gift Basket totaling $200

5 Honorable Mentions – Ribbon

People’s Choice Award - $TBD

Structure & Decor:

Structure: Gingerbread “Homes” can be any shape, design, or theme you can imagine. The Mini’s can use graham crackers and/or premade gingerbread kits for their structure. Kids categories can use premade gingerbread kits, but should add additional elements to the design. All other categories must use homemade gingerbread for their entry’s basic structure and all work must be original.

Bases: Each structure needs to be adhered to a flat, sturdy base. (e.g. plywood, thick cardboard, etc.). No plates or pans please. All bases must be no larger than 20” x 20”. Bases should be completely covered with edible items (think landscape, snow, trees, grass)

Decorations: All décor and structure need to be 100% edible materials.

Examples of approved “construction materials”:
- Gingerbread, graham crackers, vanilla wafers, cookies, cereal, pretzels, sugar cones
- Candies, gum drops, icing, sprinkles
Items to avoid
- Please avoid using items that need to be refrigerated.
- Nuts, peanuts and tree nuts

Non-Edible Elements: One set of lights that are battery powered may be added to the inside or outside of the house. Each Gingerbread structure must be placed on a sturdy base such as plywood, cardboard, cake board, etc.

Age Category with Restrictions:

Mini’s – Ages 6 and under – Adults may assist with baking and helping with the main structure. All elements and décor need to be made by the child. Premade Kits may be used.

Kids – Ages 7 – 12 - Adults may assist with baking. All building, elements and décor need to be made by the child. Premade kits may be used.

Teens – Ages 13-17 – Adults may assist with the oven as they see fit. All mixing, rolling, building, and decorating should be done by the teen.

Adults – Ages 18+ (teams may enter this category as well) Family, friends, or businesses may enter this category as a team or as an individual.

Professional – Anyone may enter this category. Technique and Skill will be worth more points in this category.

Submitting Your Entry:

Please submit your entries on a flat, sturdy surface (e.g. plywood, thick cardboard, etc.). No plates or pans please. All bases must be no larger than 20” x 20”
Please write your name and contact info on the underside your base.
You must deliver your entry to The Marley Station Mall between 11am and 2pm or 5pm and 8pm on Monday, 12/5. Entries will not be accepted if not delivered during that time.
One Entry per-person or Family (if submitting as one -entity)

Judging:

Judging will take place on Wednesday, December 7th.
All panel judging will be blind. Each entry will be numbered for judging purposes and names will be hidden. Ages will be given.
People’s Choice award will be chosen by visitors on Friday and Saturday. This award will be announced on Sunday at 1pm.
Judging will be based on Presentation, Creativity, Skill & Technique.